if its a obd2 car it has to be an obd2 computer unless you get a obd 2to obd1 conversion harness. i believe some things are pinned in different on the 2. also an unplugged or mispluged iac valve on the back of the intake next to throttle boddy will cause this too. sometimes other plugs can interchange like the air intake temp sensor and stuff so check all the plugs. vtec engagement depends on throttle position,coolant temperature,speed sensor oil pressure and rpm to activate. all these have to be working to engage.